Located at the edge of the Gascon Landes forest, on the Way of St. James, the capital of Bazadais was once a bishopric and retains many heritage features which can be seen on a walk around the town.
The flagship monument of the town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Ways of St. James, the Gothic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, built in the 13th and 14th centuries, is distinguished by its beautiful west façade with three carved portals. The remarkable middle one depicts the Last Judgment and the life of St. John the Baptist. On the right of the building is the lovely medieval-style Chapter garden, with its beautiful view of the south aisle of the cathedral, the walls of the city and the valley of Beuve.
Bazas also old has houses with arcades on the Place de la Cathédrale, including the especially noteworthy Astronomer's House, an elegant 16th-century mansion adorned with many astronomical motifs... On this magnificent arcaded square, the picturesque Bazas market is held every Saturday morning, an event full of colours and flavours that's not to be missed!
The sightseeing tour then continues towards the fortifications, where visitors can enjoy a stroll among the rose bushes in the Sultan's garden or along the Promenade de la Brèche bordering the southern walls...
